Tim is originally from Denver, Colorado and is an archeologist by training. He received his BA and MA degrees in Anthropology from the University of Colorado and his Ph.D. (also in Anthropology) from the University of Kansas. Though Tim is not a native Kansan, his mother was from Gypsum in Saline County and he maintains extensive family ties in that area.

Tim has worked on archeological projects in Colorado, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and New York. He was hired at the Kansas Historical Society in 1990, and has since then been focused entirely on Kansas Archeology. While at the historical society, he served as a special projects archeologist, as the highway archeologist and, most recently, as the SHPO Archeologist.

His research interests include bone tool technology, pre-contact settlement patterns, and public outreach. He retired from the historical society in March of 2022 after 31 years. Tim has been a KAA member since 1990. He and his wife live in Lawrence.

Angelo Ruiz first attended the KATP in 2018. His passion for archeology and knowledge has led him to various leadership positions within the KAA. When he has time, he is involved in the local craft beer community in Lawrence, KS.

Having attended his first KATP in 2004, Wesley fell in love with anthropology in general and archaeology in particular at a young age. This led to a career in the field and a heartfelt understanding for the importance of organizations like the KAA.

Melanie has been the KAA Secretary since April 2016. She is an archeology field technician, having worked professionally on cultural resource management projects across the great plains and the eastern united states since 2004. Melanie Naden has served as a mentor to many people of all ages throughout her long career in the KAA.

Melonie’s first KATP was in 2006 in Morris County at 14MO403. She has attended all the KATP’s since (18 in all). She quickly took on more responsibility within the organization and has been the Treasurer since 2018.

Mary joined the KAA in the fall of 1986, and has be instrumental in teaching lab procedures ever since. She currently serves as the Historian for the KAA.

A member since 1989, Virginia has been an integral part of making the Kansas Anthropological Training Program into what it is today.